Inside Young’s hydroponic houses

The raids, part of an operation involving officers from the Cootamundra Local Area Command’s Target Action Group and local detectives, mean an estimated $200,000 worth of illegal drugs has been taken out of circulation.

They have also resulted in one arrest with a 47-year-old Young man to face local court on a number of charges including enhanced indoor cultivate prohibited plant-expose child, cultivate prohibited plant, possess prohibited drug and supply prohibited drug.  

As reported in Monday’s Witness, at 7am on Friday, June 12 police officers discovered over $100,000 worth of cannabis plants in an elaborate hydroponic set-up at a Currawong Street address.

They also found over one kilogram of cannabis head.

Cootamundra LAC crime coordinator Detective Sergeant Damian Nott said during the discovery the male occupant was found to be linked to a second house in Nasmyth Street.

“It became apparent we needed to look at a second residence,” Detective Sergeant Nott said.

Police searched the Nasmyth Street premises and located a second group of cannabis plants growing hydroponically.

Officers have now seized, in total, in excess of 33 cannabis plants and just over 10 kilograms of dried cannabis from both scenes.

“This is very significant for us, it’s a major discovery... that will put a dint in the cannabis supply chain,” Detective Sergeant Nott said.

He said police are exploring the possibility of charging a second suspect and are investigating others who may be involved.

“Police are always seeking out opportunities to combat drug and other crime and welcome information from the public,” he said.

Officers were alerted to the drug crops as a result of information supplied to police.

If anyone has any further information they are asked to call Young Police on 6382 8199.